Search

Seasonal dispersal of pollen into the air is a cause of trouble for many of us. Pollen allergy, an irritation in the nasal passage (or Hay fever) which then affects our breathing is a major outcome of this.

While there are regular doctor-prescribed methods of treating it, there are many yoga poses which can help people get rid of the symptoms of pollen allergy (like inflamed sinuses and running nose). However, there is no documented evidence of whether it works or not. The best thing is that since there are no negative effects of doing yoga, it can be given a try.

Types of yoga conducive for treating nasal allergies

Hatha yoga , Vinyasa and Iyengar yoga are the types which people suffering from pollen allergies can do. If generation of heat alleviates their allergy symptoms then they can do Ashtanga yoga and Bikram yoga .

In order to get instant results, it is better that you practice the following yoga poses along with the prescription of a physician. The poses which they can do are as follows:

Alternate Nostril Breathing pose- Nadi Sodhana

The pose is a type of Pranayama which is to be performed if both your nostrils are open and working (that is providing unhindered flow of air to the lungs). This pose can help you regularise your breathing pattern. Performing it helps you calm down your mind as well.

Skull Shining Breath - Kapalabhati Pranayama

Kapalabhati Pranayama is breathing exercise in which emphasis is laid on passive inhalation and forceful and rapid exhalation of air from the lungs. The claimed benefit of doing this yoga pose is that the forceful exhalation can force the lurking allergens out of the nasal tract, there by lessening the irritation in your nose.

A word of caution!

This pattern of passive inhalation and forceful exhalation generates a lot of heat. Hence, it is advisable to that you attempt only one set of inhalations and exhalations. Also, it is advised that you learn how to perform it from a qualified yoga instructor. This would minimize the chances of you becoming light-headed after any incorrect performance of the pose.

Apart from the above stated yoga poses, following poses are also recommended:

Bridge Pose - Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

This backbend pose help you in expanding your lungs and lungs. Its direct outcome is a tremendous increase in your breathing capacity. This can come in very handy when you are suffering from a blocked nasal passage which limits the supply of oxygen to your body.

Shoulderstand Pose - Salamba Sarvangasana

Nasal drainage can be improved with the help of inverted poses such as the Shoulderstand Pose. However, it is advised that practitioners stay in the pose for only a few minutes.